It is the time of the year when more people are driving to visit families and holiday destinations to enjoy a well deserved break.
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And while there’s still time before they jump in the car, there are some great tips especially for young drivers, to see them through what can be a confronting time on the road.
Road Safety Education Limited (RSE) national CEO Terry Birss said that getting behind the wheel of a car as a young driver or passenger was “among the most dangerous things a person would do in their entire life”.
He said the RSE was intent on reducing road trauma among young drivers, by educating high school students through its highly acclaimed RYDA program, which providesd powerful workshops to change the way young people thought about road safety.
RSE has strong support from corporate partners BOC, Toyota Australia, Bosch and Bridgestone, along with Rotary Clubs, whose volunteers co-ordinate the program in their local area.
Some tips to bear in mind:
- Distance between your car and the car in front Always keep a minimum three seconds gap between you and the car in front. When it's raining and/or foggy double the distance.
- Indicate early – Always indicate when changing lanes, 30 metres wherever practical.
- Eyes Ahead – Drive with your line of sight parallel to the road not looking down onto it. By doing this you see further into the distance so you can be better prepared if there is a problem ahead.
- Overtaking – Ensure you have enough room to go past the vehicle you are overtaking and not cut them off.
- Driving at night – Driving at night requires more skill and concentration than at daytime due to your restricted vision.
- Road rage - Stay relaxed and try not to let other people's driving skills or decisions worry you. If another driver makes a mistake don't get angry - just concentrate on your own driving skills, behaviour and safety.
“Drivers must remember that travelling during holiday periods can be more risky because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness, there are higher numbers of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and people may be driving in unfamiliar environments.
Being courteous and flexible, remembering to share the road with others, allowing increased time for the journey, and scheduling frequent breaks can help drivers to stay safe during these high-pressure periods.
